Average Joe and his personality deserve a chance

May 15, 2009

Like most of the world, I'm addicted to Facebook. I could go on about the great way it reconnects me to old friends, but at the end of the day, I'm really just a nosy person who likes to know what is going on with everyone every second of the day.

So, having that little quirk, it's safe to say that I'm a Facebook stalker. Not in the obsessive, restraining order sense, just in the nosy, gossip-hound sense.

As I was doing my daily stalking, my good friend and co-worker Joe had an interesting note that he wrote on his wall. It was about underrated things.

He went on about how he felt that certain things like color coordination, "The Wizard of Oz," pretty eyes and his mid-range jumper were underrated. He also put personality on that list. While I don't believe "The Wizard of Oz" is an underrated movie, and I've never seen his mid-range jumper, I do agree with the personality assessment.

In recent weeks, I've come to notice when it comes to male/female interaction, personality seems to be a lesser trait when it comes to meeting people. More exact, I find it to be the, "I'll take the personality and good conversation until I see someone that makes my jaw drop with an outfit that should no way be worn on a Wednesday night."

Granted, I'm speaking from the female perspective. Joe and many other of my guy friends, I'm sure, have their male take on this subject. And I wouldn't say they are wrong. I truly believe both sexes are at fault for this.

For girls, I've seen it happen, and I can't even lie and say I'm not at fault for this. You're talking to a "nice enough" guy, and then all of a sudden, GQ model walks in and sits next to you. Sorry Average Joe, who I've spent the last hour talking to, Mr. Model is going to be the focus of my attention for the rest of the night. Ya, I've been that girl.

But knowing that both sexes do this, why can't we overcome it? Whatever happened to the days of two people having a good conversation that never had a dull moment, sharing some laughs and exchanging numbers at the end of the night, all in hopes that the conversation can continue at another time? Granted, I've been out of the dating scene for a long time, but isn't this how it used to work?

I always thought I would have an "in" when it came to striking up conversation. You know, I thought the line, "Hey, I'm a sports writer," would never fail me. And especially when I could back up that statement with a highly intelligent conversation on how I don't think the Lakers are going to make it to the NBA finals. Turns out, it would be better if I had a ditzy laugh, wore a top I have no business wearing and asking if they use a puck in football.

But I guess this entire topic is just another extension in a battle of the sexes, and how even in 100 years, there will still be a communication gap. But, I'm just going to make this statement for all my girls out there who know that it isn't appropriate to wear a halftop on a Tuesday: Hang in there ladies. One day, they'll realize that they have to hold a conversation. And that's when we start laughing.

And for ladies. Let's be the better people. Next time Mr. Model walks in, realize that you are one of about 30 girls who are going to try and pull the same tricks you are going to pull out. Give Average Joe a chance. It might be the best move you make all night.

And in case anyone is wondering, here is my quick list of underrated things: the movie "L.A. Confidential," "My Boys," a good night of card games including Spades and Euchre and a handy mechanic. Oh, and a killer smile.